Envelop-sealing machine.



No. 812,263 PATENTED FEB.13, 1906.

c. J. FANOHER a; H. s. PARMELEE.

BNVELOP SEALING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SBIT.28. 1904.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

' avwenfow v q/vibnco a,

; g/wzzfs flu w Sum/Meg PATENTED FEB. 13, 190'" C. J. PANCHER & H. S. PARMBLEE.

ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.28, 1901 5 SHEETS-SHEET 2 No. 812,268. PATEN'TED FEB. 13, 1906 0. J. FANOHER & H. s. PARMELEE.

ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. '28, 190;.

5 SHEETS-SHEEP 4.

PATBNTFD FEB. 1a, 1906. c. J. FANOHER & H. s. PARMELEE.

ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED BEPLBB, 1904.

MEETS-SHEET 5.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES J. FAXLHER ANl) HUBERT S. PARMELEE, OF \VEST GRANBY, ('ONNPX -'ll(.'Ul, ASSIGNORS TO SIMPLEX MANUFACIURING COMPANY, OF HARTFORD, (JONNIX 'IIUUT, A CORPORATION OF CONNECTICUT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 18, 190;

Application filed September 28. 1904. Serial No 228,897.

' new and useful Envelop-Sealing Machine, of

which the following is a specification.

. Our invention relates to automatic machines for sealin cnvelops in which the envelops may be placed in a bunch or package at one horizontal level and u on the operation of the machine the 'enve ops will be removed one by one from such bunch or package and at the same time have their sealingfiaps moistened and then be deposited in bunch or package formation at a lower horizontal level, where the flaps are pressed into lace-and the envelope securely sealed. In

its general organization the machine embodles an upper or delivery platform and a lower or receiving platform, automatic mechanical means for transferring envelops from the first to the second named platform and to moisten the gummed flaps in transit, actuat ing mechanism for operating the parts which do the actual work, and certain other details of construction and auxiliary or subsidiarymembers which will be hereinafter set forth. llerctofore rolls have been employed in machines of this class; but such actuating mediums are far from satisfactor especially when the envelops to be hand ed are considernbly distended by their contents; and the primal object of our invention is to overcome t iis dilliculty by producing a machine into the construction of which rolls do not enter, but which successfully handles the cuvclops by a series of positive predetcr-' mined and sequential sle )8, to the end that there cnn be no incllectunl slip )ing of the operating members relative to the envclops or clogging of the machine.

Further objects of our invention are to produce a machine which is en nblc of himdliug dill'crcut sizes of envclops )oth as to dimension and bulk, which is rapid in operation, and which is withul entirely practicable and cllicicnt.

This spccilicat ion is :1 clear description of one form or cmlnnluncnt of our invention, reference being had to the nccoumnnymg' drawings, in which Figure 1 is an elevation of what may be termed the working side of the machine, '55 since the handle and other devices by which the mechanism is directly actuated are here located, the parts being initially disposed, i, so to speak, and the confinin arfn shown in 3 an elevated position in bro en lines; Fig. 6c 2, a plan view of the machine with the parts disposed as in the prccedin' View, the to cross-bar being removed an the upper an s of the sup ortmg-uprights of the frame bein broken 0 Fig. 3, an enlar ed detail view 0% the sliding mechanism whic carries one end of the wiper-shaft and one end of the wi ersupport, the members ap caring as t is would with the )arts initial disposed; Fig. 4, an enlarged detailview oi the )inions as: sociated with the actuating mec anism on the working side of the machine; Fig. 5,3). central longitudinal vertical section showin the parts disposed as in the first and seconil to Fig. 5 except that the rear end of the machine is broken oil and the parts are differentl disposed relative to each other and to the rst section in order to show two different steps in the operation of the machine; Fig. 8, a front'view or elevation of the working' exid of the machine with the pnrtsilisposed as in Fig. 7, the forward arts of. the frame being broken off and the water-tank omitted; and Fig. 9 a sectional view showing another step in the operation. InFigs. 6, 7, and 9 the different positions of the actuatin mechanism on the working side of the maciiine are shown in broken lines.

Similar figures and letters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Although the illustrations show a machine designed to be operated by hand, it is obvi-'- ous that. by the employment of more mecham ical skill the machine can be driven by power. The frame of the machine consists of side pieces or uprights l-l, provided with forwardly-cxtcnding nrms 22 and connected by suitable horizontal cross-pieces a and b uprights 3-3, connected with each other he horizontal cross-[)icccs 4 and 5 at the back, and suitable side )icccs c between the uprights l and 3. The liniuc supports a dclivcnv-platform 6 and n rccciring-platform 7, the [list being nbovc the second. The front edge of l the platform 0 is turned upward slightly, as

viewsyFigs. 6 and 7, sectional views similariqy cross-pieces 4 or 5, as the case may be.

shown at 6*, to prevent the envelope from crowding over the edge of said platform; but an auxiliary platform, consisting of a short horizontal strip 8, is provided to receive any envelop or envelope that may be inadvert- -ently pushed off of the delivery-platform and prevent the same from dropping before the proper time, said strip extending from below said edge 6 forward of the same. Sup orted by a suitable cross-bar d, extending getween the arms 2, is a water tank or reservoir 9, having an interior mass 10 of some absorbent material, as felt, at the rear, such material being exposed through an opening in the top of said reservoir. Each platform is provided with a follower for the envelops, consisting of a plate 11 on the front end of a rod 12 and a conical spring 13, interposed. between said plate and either of the he rear terminals of the follower-rods 12 extend through suitable openings in the cross-pieces 4t and 5 and have knobs on their free ends to facilitate the manual operation of the followers. The upper follower serves to press the package of envelops on the platform 6 forward, so that the mechanism can remove one envelo at a time without difficulty, and the lower ollower serves to press the envelops together as. they are deposited on the p atform 7 and insure the thorough sticking of the flaps to the backs of the envelops. In order to prevent the first few envelope at the front of the package on the platform 6 from being forced upward with the stop and flapopening plate 14, presently to be described, inits upward travel, an arm 15 is provided, pivoted at its rear end at 16 to a bracket 17, rising from the cross-piece 4 and having at its front end a confining-plate 18, designed to rest upon the envelope on said platform.

The weight of the arm 15 and plate 18 is sufficient to hold the envelope in place. By slightly bending the rear end ofthe arm 15 provision is madefor holding said arm in an elevated position, as indicated by the broken lines 15 in'Fig. l, by frictional contact between such bent portion and the bracket--17, so that the confining device may be out of the Way when it is desired to place a fresh package of envelope on the delivery-platfor'In. In-

the drawings a package ofv envelope 19 is shown on each platform and the action upon a single envelop and its fiap traced from the platform? I s A description of the mechanism which-optime the firstmovement isinade relative to the front envelopI on the platform.6 to the finish, where ,suc f'envelo becomes the last one to be deposited in t c. package on the erates directly on the envelops and the actued edge nth lat- 6 of'the platform 6 and-provided eral slides 202{), mounted to reciprocate vertically on rods 2121, fixed in suitable lugs extending rearwardly and inwardly from. the back edges of the uprights 1. Yielding buffers 2222 are placed on the rods 21 to serve as cushions for the slides 20 when the plate 14 descends. A projection. or beak 14 extends forward from the center of the plate 14 at the bottom thereof. Some ortion of the plate 14 is always in front of t is package of envelops on the platform 6, so that said plate serves as a stop, and it has the additional office of pressing down or opening the envelopiiaps in the manner to be hereinafter described. Below the platform 7, a little back of the front edge thereof, is a carrier-piece 23, from which rises a series of pins or stop-fingers 24, operating vertically through ho es in said platform and in the cross-piece b of the frame which supports the front end of the same. The ends of the carrieriece 23 are connected by bars 25-25 With lhterally-eX- tending lugs on the slides 20, to which the upper ends of said bars are pivoted at 2626. The connection between the carrier'piece 23 and the plate 14 is such that both rise and fall together. W hen said plate is elevated, the fingers 2e are raised to a position in front of the lower follower or of the envelops inter posed between said fingers and said follower, and when the plate is depressed said carrier-- piece is lowered to withdraw the fingers from contact with the follower or envelo s.

The upri hts 1 have vertical slbts 1--1 therein, and just inside of said uprights are vertical rods '2727, supported at the top and bottom by suitable lugs. Slides 28-28 are mounted to reciprocate vertically on the rods 27, and these slides'are connected by a cros bar 29, from which depends a'depressor-plate A shaft 31 extends between the bases of the upri hts 1, and the lower terminals of two oscil sting arms 32 are mounted on said shaft inside of the frame. The upperportion of each arm 32, above a point approximately on the same level with the associated arm 2, is provided with an oblique rod 33, held by suitable lugs a little remotefrom the upper or rear ed e of such 7 ortion. A slide 34 is mounte on each 'ro 33 and pivoted at 35 to the adjacent depressor-plate slide-arm 28. By this construction it will be seen that when the depressor-' late slides 28 are elevated the arms 32 must e drawn backward, and when said slides are depressed said arms will be moved forward through the medium of the arms 2%, slides 34, and rods 33.

A presser plate 36 extends across the front of the machine with its base about on a level and over the front end of the platform '7 and is securely attached to the arms 32. Vertical slots 36 are formed in the presser-plate 36 in line with the stop-fingers '24. plate 36 may be stiffened b v means'of a brace 37 across the front thereof, which brace is provided with forwarilly-extendiug U-shaped irojections adjacent the slots 36. 'lhc lower portion of the plate 36 is curved reai' ward, and the ollice of this plate when in active service is to ness the cnvelops back against the lower fol ower to insure the sticking of the flaps, also to move the package on the platform '7 far enough back to enable the fingers 24 to come up in front of the envelop last deposited on said latform.

Inside of each uprig it 1 and arm .2 a horizontal rod is sup orted by suitable lugs, as is best shown in ig. 3, and two slides 39 and 40 are mounted to reciprocate on such rod. Suitable lugs on the slides 39 are connected by a horizontal wipersupport 41, extending across the mac line approximately on a level with the platform 6. The wi er-sup port in front of the line of travel of the (leiressor-plate 30. A pin -12 depends from the bottom of each slide 39, and a stop in the form of a pin 43 projects inward from the adjacent face of the frame and extends into the path of said pin 4-2 to limit the forward movement of said slide. A pin 42" extends downward from each slide in line with the associated pin 4'2, and a spring 44, having its ends connected with both of said pins, eonstantly tensions the sleeve 39 toward the sleeve 40, it being understood that the latter has a )OSltlVO connection at all times and is not subject to the action of said spring. 'lhe positive connection just referred to consists of a shaft 45, mounted in inwardly-extcnding hearings on the slides 40, and links 46 16, mounted at their front ends, on said shaft and pivoted at their rear ends (at 47) to the inner faces of the arms 32.

The wipcrroper, which moistcns the flaps of the envelfns, consists of two inverted troughs 43,. til ed on the inside with nnlsscs 4.) of some absorbent material, as felt, and these members are firmly attached to the rear of the cross-bar of a frame 51), the front ends or arms of said frame being mounted on the shaft s) inside of the links 46. The two sections of the actual wiper are separated on the longitudinal median line of the machine sullicicntly to clear the beak l4 when said sections are actuated into the vicinity of the same; and the cross-bar of the frame 50 is bent forward, as shown at .30, also for the the purpose ol clearing said beak. Springs 51-51 are so arranged on the bearings for the shaft as to engage adjacent parts or the frame and tension the same with the wiper-sections downward. The parts are so arranged that the masses 4'.) contact with the mass H) m the reservoir 1) and with the wipcrsupportv or-thc gummed side of nu'euvelolpflap thereon during each cycle made by t H! machine. Nhen the shaft 45 and the connected wiper-sections are actuated backward by means of the arms 3%) through the medium of connecting parts already described. the frame 50, with said sections, is elevated against the resiliency of the springs 51 'b means of a rod 52, extending through and projecting beyond the arms of said frame behind said shaft, and cams 5363 have their rear ends pivoted at fi t-54 to the sides of the arms 2, the front ends of said cams normally resting on the upper edges of said arms 2. Springs 55:')5,comu cting with the pivots 54, arms 2, and cams 53, tend to de )ress the latter with their front ends normally in contact with said arms. The complete operation of these members will be hereinafter fully ex:

)lained.

A shaft 56 is journaled in the uprights 1 below the platform 6, and crank-arms 51 57 on the outerends of said shaft are connected by links 58-68 with thedepressor-arms 28", each of such links being pivoted at 59 to the associated crank-arm and at (it) to the associated depressorarm. A shaft 61 is journaled in the uprights 1 below the shaft 56, and on the outer ends of this lower shaft are curved crank-arms 612432, pivoted at 63-63 to links 6443-1, having their upper ends with the connecting-bars 25 pivoted at 26 to the laterallv-cxtending lugs on the slides 20. A pinioii (55 is tightly mounted on the shaft (31 inside of the upright 1 on the working side of the. machine, and a pinion (56, mounted on a stud 67, projecting from said upright, meshes with said pinion 65. The stud 67 is so located behind the shafts til and 56 that the pinion 66 clears the latter. Meshing with the pinion (i6 is a )lllllill (38 on a stud (it) above the stud (S7, and still another pinion 70 meshes with the pinion 68, a stud 71 above and forward of the stud 69 being provided for said pinion 70. The pinion 7t) is tight on the stud 7l,and both the latter and the stud 6.) are mounted in the same upright with the stud or. A tri )-arm 72 is fast on the end of the shaft til, which projects on the working side of the. machine, and a trip-arm 73 is fast on the outer ehd of the stud 7]. Both of the aforesaid tip-arms are long enough to extend into the path of a pin 74, projecting from the insid: if the associated crank-arm 57, during certain portions of its revolution. 'lhc crank-arm 57 on this side of the machine has an extension 57", )rovidcd with a handle 75, by means of w rich the machine is nianually operated. The action of the several crank-arms, links, trips, 620., will be described in detail in the full explanation of the machinewhich follows.

Referring to the mechanism as it stands in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and attention is called to the following points: First, a package of envelops 12) is in position on the platform ti between the upper follower, on the one hand, and the,

upturned edge 6 of the platform and the plate is, on the other, with the confinii'ig de- .vice resting on the upper edges of some or ell-of the some, the envclops resting on their flap edges, with the flaps toward the front; second, another package of envelops is in the. same position on the platform 7 between the lower follower and the fingers 24, which hitter with said plate are in their highest positions, Where they are held by the CIWHIlFMInS 62 and the links 64, the pivotal points 63 being located a. little behind the vertical cent or" the shaft 61, whereby theoforcsaid icingand-isllin members are locked in place, since said crank-arms are now in contact vith projections on the uprights 1, through *hich the shaft 56 passes, and further movement to the rear is thereby prevented third, the depressoc plate 30 has been carried to approximately its lowest position by the crank-arms 57 and thelinks 58, Mid this low position of the depressor-plate mechanism has forced the arms forward to practically their full extent; foo. th, the extreme forward movement of the arms 32 has located the Wiper on the felt in the reservoir and brought the Wiper-support slides 40, or roth or their pins, into contact with the stop-pi11s thus locating said supportin front of the depressorplate, and such movement of said arms also locates the presser-plote 36 some little distance from the envelops on the platform 7, and, fifth, the handle 75 is nearly at the bottom of the cirole which it is adapted to describe, the pin 74+: rests against the now depending trip-arm 72, and the trip-arm 73 projects forward. When the handle 75 is moved from the position shown in Fig. l to that shown in 6, the pin 74 sctuctes the tr1p-cr1n 72, which immediately rotates the shaft 61, unlocks the crank-arms 62 and links 64, and causes the plate 14 and fingers to descend, all before pin 74 clears saidv tri pen-n1. At the some time the cranlssrms 57 and links 58 raise the depressor-plate 3i) and draw inward the arms 32 through the medium of the intervening connections. The piste 2 1 its descent cngagss the Hop 19 of the front envelop on the platform 6 and with the beak 14 presses it downward. The presser-platc 36 has moved back to engage the envelops on the platform 7 and hold them in position in lieu of the fing ers 24, Which have descended entirely beour the tiiro of said phltforxn. crrns rock hock, the ends-oi the rod 52 ride up onto the cams 53, the force of the springs 51 being overcome, and elevate the Wiper from the absorbent material in the reservoir, the absorbent in asses 49 having become HIOlS- tened by contact with the mass 10, it being understood, of course, that the reservoi 9 contains Water. The action of the urn" and intervening mechanism and tho ence of the cams noise the wiper: in oi tion ready to come down onto the gunimcd hen the.

f surface of the 19. Durin the hackward movement of the slides il-O they contact with the slides 39 and force. the support 41 beneath the flap 19 Further movement of the handle 75 into the position shown in Fig. 7 causes the arms 32 to be drawn hack still farther and the ends of the rods 52- to leave the cams 53, when. the springs 51 imnidictely force the Wiper down onto the gummed surface of the lion 19, which is now firmly held between said Wiper and the Wiper-support 41. At the same time the plate 30 is still further elevated and the piste 36 forced farther back and tightly pressed cgainst the GILWBlO'QS on the TpltltfQIlIl to compress them and cause their fisps-thosewliich are not yet dry--to adhere securely to the hacks. The pin 74: contacts with and sctustes the trip'arm 78, which letter, through tliemsdium' of the pinions shown in Fig; 4, commences to cause the shaft 61' to rotate and elevcte the plate 14, and the fingers The continued movement of the handle 75 into the position shown in Fig. 9 raises the plate 14 into its highest position throu h the medium of the pin Tel and the trip arm 73, where said is locked in the manner hereinhefore described before said pin rides oil 01 the end of said trip arm. During time the crank-arms?! and the links 08 begin to how down the depressor-piste 30 and through the medium of the arms and the arms 32 move both the Wiper and the wiper-support forward with the flap of the envelop grasped between them. The support 41 moves forward under the influence of the springs 4A until the pinsZ contract with the pins 43, when further forward movement of said support is checked. Since the flap of the envelop in transit is in the grasp of the and its support and the plate 14 too of such envelop, the latter isdrgnvn forthe plate 30 is on the point of forcing said envelop out of the grasp of the u" per follower. The ends 01 the rod 52, vlhic had before been forced oil of the coins 53, now pass over i the edges of the arms 2 beneath said cams. The cycle is completed when the handle 75 passes horn the position'shov/n in Fig. 9 to that shown in Fig, 1 to leave the parts in what has hcreinhefore beenterrned their initisl positions. As said handlolecves the )osition indicated in Fig. 9 the ar1ns'32 are lorced forward, the wi or is drawn forward oil of its support, whici lst-tercannot move any torthcr in this direction on account of the stops or pins 43, against which the )l'llS 42, depending from. the slides 39, are held by the 1 springs Wiper dropping oil of said with its'beclr has risen to at position ncsrthe IOC plate 14 and by theflsp, as explained While g -the plate 30.

. grass lower part of the machine.

support with some little force, owing to the press the envelop or envelops on the lower presence of the springs 51 ,onto the absorbent platform and to insure the t iorough sealing material in the reservoir, across which material it is dragged. The somewhat violent contact of the wiper with the absorbent material or mass 10 and the draggin of said wiper over said mass. under the inl uence of the springs 51, tends to thoroughly moisten the wiper material or masses 4!), so that the same is ready to act upon the gummed surface of the llap of the next envelop. The plate 30 has now been depressed into its lowest position, carrying with it the envelop being acted .lpOl]. As the aforesaid )late descends it draws the flap from beneath the wiper before the latter leaves the support 41 and also drags it free from the grippin force at the top of the envelo The envelbp now drops onto the front 0 the receiving-platform between the pressenplate 36 and t e lingers 24. The envelop is securely sealed during the next cycle of the mechanism at the time the presser-plate 36 moves into its extreme rearward position, (shown in Fig. 7,) and at this time the ackage and the follower on the receiving-p atform are forced backward and the fingers 24-come up in the slots 36* in front of the envelo s, between which fingers and the lower f0 ower said envelops are held when said resser-plate moves forward again. Just as the cycle-is completed the ends of the rod 52 pass out from beneath the front ends of the cams 53, which rock upon their pivots 54 against the resiliency of the springs 55 and are in position on the u per edges of the arms 2 to ride up on sai cams during the next cycle.

To recapitulate briefly: The plate 14 serves as a stop for the follower, envelo), or envelops on the delivery-platform. ft also on moving downward opens the flap or projects it forward and, furthermore, said plate assists in holding the front envelop at the top just before it is precipitated downward by the plate 30. The de ressorplatc 30 draws the flap of the enve op from between the wiper and the wiper-sup ort, thus insuring thorou h moistening of t e gummed surface of said ap and releases the envelop. from the upper members, so that it drops into the The wi er and associated support move backward ieneath 'le the latter is elevated the flap which has been depressed by the ap-opcner and draw the bottom of the envelop from the bunch on the upper )latform as they move forward again out of the pathf' of travel of said plate 30, the flap bein 'f thorou hl moistened b the wi er mganwhilal ha wi er-suppof t is brought to a standstill and t e wiper 'uin )s to the moistening-bedto become replenis led with moisture. The stop fingers 24 and the resser-plate 36 operate intermittently and sequentially with the lower follower to coml l l 4 of the same, either the lingers or the plate being in active service all the time, in addition to which said prcsser- )late receives the force exerted by the lower follower, when said lingers are withdrawn from active service and subsequently overcomes this force to the extent necessary to permit the lingers to be returned to active service.

The term initial? associated with position orpositions" and the divisions of the cycle as illustrated are merely arbitrary, since in practice a cycle may commence and end with the parts in any position, and the movements are too complex and rapid, as well as too numerous relative to change, to confine the different divisional limitations to the comparatively few views shown.

Numerous changes in form, size, and construction of our machine and its various parts inay be made without departing from the spirit and scope of our invention. We consider ourselves entitled to all such variations as may lie within the intent of oiii' claims.

\Vhat we claim as our invention, and dcsire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In an envelop-sealing machine, horizontal envelo )su )ports or plat-forms arranged at different levels and means to remove individual envelops from one such platform and permit the same to pass by gravitytoanother.

2. In an envelop-scaling machine, horizontal envelop-retaining means arranged at different levels, means toremovc individual envelops from one such level and permit the same to pass by gravity to another, and means to moisten the envelop-flaps during the transfer.

3. In an envelop-sealing machine, envelop supports or platforms arranged at dill'erent levels, means to remove individual envelops from one such platform and permit the same to pass by gravity to another, and means to moisten the envelop-flaps during the transfer from one platform to the other and while leaving the first.

4. In an envelop-sealing machine, horizontal envelop-retaining means arranged at difthereon tensioncd in one direction, of a recip device adapted to rest upon and hold in place one or more envelops on said platform bethe follower and plate and adjacent the latter, during the upwarc'l novcmcnt of the plate.

8. The combination, in an envelop-sealing machine, with a platform upturned at its front edge, and a follower on said platform,

of a reciprocating plate operating above such upturned edge.

9. The combination, in an envelop-sealing machine, with a platform having an upturned edge, and an auxiliary platform or strip ex tending forward of such edge, of a follower on the first-mentioned platform, and a reciprocating plate in front of said follower.

10. The combination, in an envelop-sealing machine, with a platform and a follower, of a combined envelop stop and ilapwpcner in front of said follower, and means to reciprocate such combined stop and flap-opener only between the adjacent edge or end of said platform and some point below the level of.

the upper edge of the follower.

11. In an envelop-sealing machine, the combination with a platform having a follower thereon, and stop-fingers adapted to operate in front of said follower, of guide members, slides mounted on such members, bars connecting said fingers and slides, and means to reciprocate the slides, substantially as set forth.

12. In an envelop-sealing machine, the combination with a platform having a follower tl'iereon, and stop-fiugers adapted to operate in. front of said follower, of guide members, slides mounted on such mem )ers, bars connecting said fingers and slides, arms pivotally mounted at their lower terminals, a presser-plate carried by such arms in front of the follower, operating means for said arms located above said plate, and means torcciprodatp saidslides and actuate such op-. erating i nc substantially as set forth.

l3. .illltemhmbim.tion, in an envelop-scaling mitclihiriA vith LWO platforms one above the other, an ollowers on said platforms, of a reciprocating stop-plate in front of the upper follower, reciprocating stop-fingers in front of the lower follower, and means to sil l l multaneously actuate such reciprocating members. l

14. In an envelop-sealing machine, two platforms, one above the other, reciprocatin members at or adjacent the front ends of sai platforms, and operating mechanism adaptcd'to actuate said reciprocating members in each direction, during one cycle of the mechanism, with a rest between each movement of'the reciprocating members.

15. In an envelop-sealing machine, two platforms, one above the other, reciprocatin members at or adjacent the front ends of said platforms, operating mechanism adapted to actuate said reciprocating members in both directions, during one cycle on the mechanism, with a pause between each movement of the reciprocating members, and means to cause the latter to be fixed or locked during such pauses.

16. The combination, in an envelop-sealing machine, with a reciprocating stop and flap-opening plate, and reciprocating stopfingcrs to assist in holding the envelope after being sealed, of actuating mechanism for such reciprocating members, trips connected with such mechanism, and a crank arm adapted to sequentially engage and release said trips.

17. The combination, in an envelop-scab ing machine, with a reciprocating stop and flap-opening plate, and reciprocating stopfingers to assist in holding the envelops after being sealed, of actuating mechanism for such reciprocating members consisting of a shaft, a trip-arm on said shaft, a stud, a second trip-arm on said stud, a train of pinions between said shaft and stud, and a crankarm ada ted to sequentially engage and release said trip-arms. I

18. In an envelop-scaling machine, the combination with a platform and a follower thereon, of arms pivotally mounted at their lower terminals, a presserlate carried by such arms in front of said fo lower, operating means for said arms located above said plate, and means to actuate such operating means, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

19. In an envelop-sealing machine, the combination with a platform and a follower thereon, of reciprocating sto fingers adapted to operate in front of sai follower, arms pivotally mounted at their lower terminals, :3. presscr-plat'c carried by such arms in front of the'follower and provided with slots opposite said fingers, operating means for said arms located above said plate, and means to actuate such cperating means, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

20. In an envelop-sealing machine, a continuously-reciprocating and intermittentlyoscillating wiper and an intermittently-recip rocating wipcnsupport.

21. In an envelop-sealing machine, a con ICC timuaisly-reciprtwaiting and intermittentlyoscillating wiper, a reservoir provided with exposed absorbent material, and an intcrmittentlv-reciprocating wiper-support, said wiper being adapted to alternatelv contact with said absorbent material and said support.

2;. in an envelop-scaling machine, a continuousl vreci n'ocating wiper, an intermittentlv reciprocatiinr wiper support. and means to cause said wiper to forcibly fall upon said support.

23. In an envelop-sealing machine, a. con tinnouslv-reciprocatin and intermittentlyoscillatiiae wiper, a reciprocating wiper-support, and means to'cause said wiper to be withdrawn from said support by a dragging movement.

24. in an envelop-sealing machine, a contimmusly-reciprocating and intermittentlyoscillating wiper, a reservoir located at the front of the machine,having exposed absorbent material therein, and means to cause said wiper when in its forward position to forcibl v fall upon such material.

in an envelop-sealing machine, a continuiiusly-reciprocatingr and intermittentlyoscillating wiper, a reservoir located at the front of the machine, having exposed absorbent material therein, and means to cause said wiper, as it approaches the end of its forward movement,to be dragged over such material. 26. The combination, in an envelop-sealflap-opener, of a ctmtinuouslyreciprocating and intermittently-oscillating wiper, and an intermittentlv-recipri atinp wiper-support.

L7. The combination, in an enveltm-scaling, machine, with a verticallv-reciprocating flap-opening plate provided with a forward lyextendin beak, of a contiliuously-reciproca'ting and intermittcntly-oscillating wiper and an intermittently-reciprocating wiper-support, both being adapted to move back adjacent to said plate and said wiper being adapt ed to pass both sides of said beak.

2h. The combination, in an envelop-sea.lin,g machine, with a reciprocating llapopener, of a wiper and a wiper-su pport, meansto move said wiper and support into a position immediatelyadjacent said flap-opener, the wiper and support being separated and again united during such movement, and means to elevate the flap-opener while thewiper and support are adjacent thereto.

2!). in an envelop-sealing machine, a vertically-reciproeating depressor, and a horizontally-reciprocating wiper and wiper-support, the depressor and the wiper with its support being adapted to cross each others paths of travel.

30flhe combination, in an envelop-sealing machine, of a vertically-reciproeat1ng de- .pressor,., a horizontallv-reciprocating wiper and wiper-support, and means to elevate said mg machine, with a vertically-reciprocating.

depressor during the rearward movement of said wiper and its support and to withd aw the wiper and its support from beneath the depressor when the latter descends.

3]. ln an envelop-sealing machine, a vertically-reciprocating flap-opener, a verticallyreciprocating depressor, and a horizontallyrecipromting wiper and wiper support adapted to play back and forth in front of the plane of said flap-opener beneath said depressor when the latter is elevated.

32. In an envelop-sealing machine, an intermittently vertically reciprocating llap opener, a continuously reciprocating depressor, and a horizontally reci rocat-ing wiper and wi1.)ersupport adapter to pass beneath said depressor when e evated, into contiguity with said flap-opener when de-- pressed. y

3. In an envelop-sealing machine, a reciprocating flap-opening plate provided with a forwardly-extending beak, and a reciprocating de )IGSSOI operating in front of said beak.

34. u an envelop-sealing machine, an in termittently-reciproeating flap-opener, a continuously-reciprocating depressor, and means to elevate said depressor while said flapopener is down and to depress the depressor while the ilap-opener is in its elevated posi tion.

35. The combination, in an envelop-sealing machine, of a slidinglyanounted wiper, a slidingly-mounted wiper-support, resilient connections between said wiper and support, stops arranged to limit the movement of the support in one direction, and means to directly actuate the wiper.

36. The ct'nnbination, in an envelopsealing machine, with cams, of a slidingly-mounted wiper provided with cam-engaging members arranged to ride over said cams, to raise the wiper and to pass beneath the same.

37. The combination, in an envelop-scab ing machine, with cams and supports for the same, said cams being adapted to be elevated at one end from said supports, of a slidinglymounted wiper provided with cam-engaging members adapted to ride over said cams, to raise the wiper, and to, pass under and out beneath the free ends of the cams.

38. The combination, in an envelop-sealing machine, of a frame provided with guide members, arms pivoted at their bases to said frame, provided with obliquely-direeted uide members and carrying a )resser- )late ailapted to assist in sealing the envelops, sliding connections between the frame-guide members and the arm-guide members, and means to reciprocate said sliding connections on the guide members.

39. The combination, in an envelop-sealing machine, with a frame prdvided with 'uide members, of arms provided with 0biquelydirected guidemembers and carrying a Presser-plate adapted to assist insealing nections the envelops, an cl sliding connections be tween the frame-grime members and {he orniguirle member through the medium of which said arms end P "SS6F-Pl&l'/ are oscillated When said 90112168316115 are reciprocate-id on the guide znei'nbers.

40. The oornb ing machine, of a frame provided with guide members, urn ivotecl al their bases to said frame and provided with obliquely-clireeleLl guide members, sliding connections loemveen the frame-guide members and she arm-guide members to oseilloieseid arms when said eoninrocaterl on the guide meni- [LQCiifiXliSlll connected with and reciprocat d by the arms.

41 The on; iineiiion, in H1 envelop-sealing machine, of n frame p ovialerl with guide nieni oers'srms pivoted at the: bases to said frame, provide bers, and Wiper vi til oblique directed. guide members and carrying a presseeplste adapted to assist in sealing the en elope and sliding mg ineeliine, i

Ineniers,armspivoted oe tneirlmses said.

fisnie- 1 provided "Witn connections between the name-guide members end the en ines members to osoilielie said arms and pls'te when. said connections are reciprocsted on. the guide members.

Q2. The corn-e" on, in en envelop-scolme provided with gllifil froine, provided with obliqnelydirected guide members and carrying a presser-plete adapted to assist in sealing the envelope, sli-:lin'g connections between .i-he iran e guide members and thee-ringside n'ien'ibers to escillaae saiclg arms and plate when ssiil conneoaions ere reciprocseerl on the guide members, ancl' horizontallyeeeipmceting Vii} ii IRGC/lk onism conneoteo with the arms. 1:3. The eo'mbi tion, in 2111 envelo ealingnieebin 1 some provirledwipli girlie meme rs; are 5 pivoted at their bases to said. l ol liqnely directed guide members and carrying a presser-plzite edspted toe-ssist in sealing i 1e envelops, and sliding connections Between ihe name-guide members and the arm-guide members, of a, shaft journeled-ili the frame, crank-arms on said-shaft, and links connecting said crankerms withs id sliding connections.

Ariel. eling nioclline, comprisin'glneans w on n envelop in a. substantislly upright ie ion, such means eonsisiing support for i is lower edge of the envelop,

motion, in on envelop-seal-- forvvardly-tensioned support at rho back and a rising and falling support at the bent,

end other means to engage the sealing-flop oi the envelop to Withdraw sziid envelop from.

.the rogziiniiw means.

3 in envelop-sealing machine, comprisngg means to reioin on envelop in a sulistein lolly upright position, such means eonsisiing of :i Lip-port for the lower edge oi the envel' 'l =tensionerl support at the beck ring and 'lnllii support at the front, er means to the sealing-flap of *elop to Witlnlrmv said envelop from the e the retaining means and for moistening the flop 4/5. An envelop seeling machine, compris ing' means to retain an envelop in a subsunn elslly n l ht position, such means consis-oing support for the lowereilge of the envelop,

s r'wsrrllv-tensioneLl support at the back 21ml :1 risin' end falling support at the front, and other means to engage the sealing-flap of the envelop to Withdraw sa'icl envelop from the retaininp moons and for n'ioiste'ning the flop, and sdoitionel means for sealing the fie.

4J vIn on envelepeeeling machine, a ver- ;ieelly-reciprocating depressor, and a hori- Zontslly-reeiproceting Wiper end envelop lep support, the depressor and the support being adopted to cross each others paths of travel.

48.111 enenvelopeealing machine, a reeiprocsting Wiper for the inner side of the flap, 1 reciprocationsupport for the flop and "wiper, means to cause said Wiper and support to move in 318 some directions, the former in veling farther than the latter, anclmeens to nose the Wiper to fell upon the support or the inner side of. the flap thereon.

49. in on envelop-sealing,machine, a reciprocating Wiper fortlieinn er sideof the flap, reciprocating support for the flap and Wiper, and means to cause said Wiper to travel in the some direction with said support for a great-er :listmice than the support.

in testimony whereof We have signed our- 

